5 Best Large Cap Defense Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

In this article, we will list the 5 Best Large Cap Defense Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. Please visit 10 Best Large Cap Defense Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds if you’d like to see an extended list and the methodology behind it.

5. Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69

Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD) is among the 10 Best Large Cap Defense Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. On May 1, Deutsche Bank raised the price target on the stock to $470 from $445 and maintained a Buy rating.

The adjustment followed the company’s second quarter 2026 earnings report. According to TipRanks, the bank noted that there were many factors regarding WWD’s investments that were not appreciated enough. The analyst further added that Deutsche was bullish on the stock’s continued upside potential over the short and medium term.

Earlier on April 30, UBS analyst Gavin Parsons lifted the price target on Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD) to $429 from $427, while reiterating a Buy rating. The firm noted the recent earnings beat and told investors that the company was well placed to continue the momentum despite potential headwinds.

As of the close of business on May 5, Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD) is a Strong Buy based on the recommendations of 9 analysts and has an average share price upside potential of 20%.

The company posted net sales of $1.1 billion for the quarter, increasing 23% year-over-year. Earnings per share came in at $2.19, beating Wall Street’s estimates. Moreover, the management also announced upbeat guidance for the remainder of the year, lifting the outlook for both sales and earnings per share.

Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:WWD) designs, produces, and services energy conversion and control solutions for the aerospace and industrial equipment markets.